Lot #223: Antique 1905 Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Model 27, Golden "Sphinx" Decals, Oak, Iron

Up for auction is a beautifully preserved piece of turn-of-the-century Americana: an Antique 1905 Singer Treadle Sewing Machine, housed in its original multi-drawer wooden cabinet.Verified by its historic single "B" prefix serial number (B1059471), this machine belongs to a production block allocated by the Singer Manufacturing Company in 1905. It features the celebrated Model 27 Vibrating Shuttle mechanism, renowned for its mechanical longevity and distinct dual sliding throat plates. Key Features & Details: Aesthetic Motif: Adorned with the highly sought-after, Edwardian-era Egyptian "Sphinx" (Memphis) golden decal transfers. The graphics on the main arm and pillar remain remarkably vibrant, well-saturated, and intact. Cabinetry: Mounted in a traditional oak cabinet featuring four side drawers detailed with ornate, original brass-toned drop handles (1 missing). Includes the classic fold-out drop-leaf table extension to expand your workspace. Base: Original heavy-duty black cast-iron openwork treadle frame prominently sporting the iconic, embossed "SINGER" brand logo across the center crossbar. Hardware: Includes the original round brass manufacturer medallion on the pillar and the large spoked handwheel designed for treadle momentum. Condition Notes:This is an authentic, 121-year-old antique in unrestored, original condition. The machine head retains highly legible decals with light, age-appropriate patina and minor pin scratches from historical use. The wooden cabinet surface shows beautiful character wear, including minor scuffs and finish variation consistent with its age. The iron treadle mechanism and wheel move freely. The leather belt is present but may need tightening or replacement for active sewing. ****This is very very heavy. Located in basement for pickup day. Bring help to remove. ***** The Egyptian Revival Trend: The "Sphinx" (or Memphis) decal pattern was introduced by Singer in the late 1880s and remained popular through the Edwardian era. It was inspired by the global obsession with Egyptian archaeology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Finding a machine where the gold leaf has not been scrubbed away by modern chemical cleaners is a major selling point for collectors. The Workhorse of the World: The Model 27 Vibrating Shuttle was engineered to be virtually indestructible. Using a bullet-shaped shuttle bobbin that swings in an arc to form a lockstitch, it was prized by rural households because it could effortlessly sew through tough materials like denim, canvas, and heavy wool without requiring electricity. The Singer Standard: In 1905, buying a machine like this represented a major financial investment for a household—often costing a month's wages. Singer's massive success was built on creating highly reliable machinery paired with revolutionary installment payment plans, making this machine a cornerstone piece of industrial history. Pickup category timeslot {A}